Toward the end of his third expedition in 1836 Major Mitchell discovered the lush pasture land in Western Victoria. He noted the contrast between the landscapes to the north as he came down into this part of the State and named the superb agricultural land he had stumbled across “Australia Felix”. Being a man of some education he knew Australia Felix in Latin meant “fortunate Australia” or “happy Australia”. On his return to Sydney reports were published of his discovery and this caused a land rush into the area.
In ensuing years transport routes were established between the fledgling settlements and Cobb and Co got into the act transporting people through the area in coaches drawn by horse teams that required regular changing. When you think about it the trips would have been arduous with the coaches running over ill formed tracks of dust and mud depending on the conditions of the day. Travellers on long journeys were treated to the comforts of a coaching inn during longer journeys and there they would find a warm welcome, hearty meals and drink or two to soften the next part of the trip.
These days we seek more comfort than what was on offer during those times and we travel much larger distances between dining times and overnight stays. It is an easy trip now from Melbourne or Adelaide to Coleraine but once there you can experience something of the comforts of the old coaching inns with a modern twist, if you chose to stay at The Black Horse in the centre town.
The Black Horse Inn now sits next door to the more modern 20th Century hotel, The National, in the heart of this attractive and centrally located town on the edge of Bryan’s Creek. The facade of The Black Horse is heritage listed and, thankfully, cannot be altered. It sits right on the boundary of the large level block having a lovely street presence with its rendered facade, arched windows and separate doors into each half of the building. At the rear of the block is a pleasant sun trap with a paved outdoor living area and easy care garden. At the rear is also an extra length double carport as a nod to modern transport. There is also a large workshop with a concrete floor as part of the original building.
The entry to number 66 is through a steel framed security door providing a small sheltered precursor to the main living area for the current owners, internally altered from the original smaller rooms of the day but retaining the character and history of its time. The room is large and the layout provides separate spaces for a small office area adjacent to the front door, a dining area to the right of the entry and a comfortable sitting room adjacent to the kitchen. The area has a timber look floor and is decorated in neutral. There is ample cupboard space and comfort is provided with a ceiling fan and split system. Through from this living space is open space with a laundry and toilet to one side and a well fitted bathroom to the other. This leads into the bedroom, believed to be part of the original brick floor stable, with beautiful small casement windows overlooking the garden. It is serviced by a walk in wardrobe and is filled with character befitting the property.
The second half of this home has been used as an Air B&B and is completely self contained. It has a separate entrance off the street at 66A. The entry gives access to a beautiful living room off to the right having polished timber floors and a superb fireplace and mantel retrieved from an old Adelaide Hotel. For modern living it has been fitted with a faux, but realistic electric fire. The room also provides plenty of room for dining, has reverse cycle air conditioning and double glazing to the front windows providing a serene environment for guests. The hallway from the front extends through to the tiled kitchen refurbished with cupboards made up from the recycled floor boards of the front room. Pressed tin ceiling materiel has been repurposed for the splash backs and there is an electric stove.
A short hall passes the modern bathroom done with floor and wall tiles and a very attractive tile capping between the tiles wall and upper plaster. It is practically fitted with a pivot shower door, vanity and toilet. The bathroom is adjacent to the bedroom where a split system is installed, as are built in wardrobes from the same recycled flooring.
The property is metered separately for the two areas which can be joined into one quite easily if required. It is exceptionally versatile giving any new owner the opportunity to live in one section and utilise the other as accommodation. In the alternative both units could be rented by an absentee owner, with plenty of room at the rear to build new and completely separate premises.
The variables and opportunities here will only be limited by your imagination. The certainty is that the living now is far far more comfortable than when it was first used as a place of rest. The current owners are keen to move on. It is ready for you to move in.
The Black Horse Inn, 66 Whyte Street, Coleraine. Price $495,000.00. Contact Sam Groves at Groves Real Estate, Gray & Brown Street, Hamilton on 0400 547207.
